Reports have emerged concerning the potential integration of ads into the ChatGPT platform, which currently serves approximately 800 million weekly users. Screenshots circulating on social media purportedly show a Target advertisement within the ChatGPT interface, leading to user concern and speculation about a shift in OpenAI’s operational strategy.
I’m in ChatGPT (paid Plus subscription), asking about Windows BitLocker
and it’s F-ing showing me ADS TO SHOP AT TARGET.
Yeah, screw this. Lose all your users. pic.twitter.com/2Z5AG8pnlJ
— Benjamin De Kraker (@BenjaminDEKR) December 3, 2025
However, Nick Turley, the head of ChatGPT at OpenAI, officially dismissed the rumors on social media. Turley stated that “There are no live tests for ads” and suggested that any visible screenshots were either fabricated or misinterpreted. He affirmed that OpenAI understands the trust users place in ChatGPT and promised a “thoughtful approach” if the company ever decides to pursue advertising.
I’m seeing lots of confusion about ads rumors in ChatGPT. There are no live tests for ads – any screenshots you’ve seen are either not real or not ads. If we do pursue ads, we’ll take a thoughtful approach. People trust ChatGPT and anything we do will be designed to respect that.
— Nick Turley (@nickaturley) December 6, 2025
The confusion appears to stem from a recently launched Instant Checkout feature, announced by OpenAI in late September 2025. This feature is a step towards “agentic commerce,” allowing the AI to assist users with shopping. When a user asks a shopping-related query, ChatGPT presents relevant products from the web. If supported by the collaboration with Stripe, users can complete a purchase using an integrated “Buy” tab, which is distinct from traditional advertising.
Despite the current denial, the possibility of future ads remains open. Code referencing an “ads feature” was previously discovered in the ChatGPT Android app by a developer, suggesting the company has at least explored the concept. However, current internal priorities at OpenAI seem to have temporarily delayed the launch of any new features, including advertising, following the positive reception of Google’s Gemini 3 release.
